Mariah Carey Confirmed as ‘American Idol’ Judge, ‘Excited’ for New Gig

As reported by AOL Music Blog, it's official -- Mariah Carey is the newest "American Idol" judge! Following weeks of speculation, FOX has announced the pop diva will reside on the hit reality competition's judges' panel for the upcoming twelfth season.

FOX entertainment president Kevin Reilly broke the big news during a FOX executive meeting at the Television Critic's Association Summer Press Tour, which Mariah joined via phone.

"I'm so excited to be joining 'Idol;' I wanted to be there today and I wish I could've been there myself to tell you," Carey said over speaker phone, according to AP. "It happened really quickly, I can't wait to get started in a couple months, everybody have a great TCA and I will see you in January."

According to recent reports, the new gig will earn MiMi anywhere from $12 - $17 million for just a single season! This may seem like pennies to the 42-year-old's husband Nick Cannon -- he's been quite vocal about his wifey's potential paycheck. Cannon first suggested "Idol" would have to "double" former judge Jennifer Lopez's salary, and later asserted, "I ain't letting her outta the house for less than $100 million ... who's gonna watch my kids if she goes on 'American Idol?'"

Nobody puts MiMi in a corner!